Speaker
Description
The coming decade will see a powerful suite of ground-based facilities come online, from radio to optical to multi-messenger astronomy. Yet a critical gap remains: a sensitive, high-resolution observatory at (sub-)mm wavelengths, essential for probing the cold Universe from planetary systems to cosmic structure. At the same time, the next generation of facilities must prioritise sustainability, aligning with Europe’s carbon-neutral ambitions.
The Atacama Large Aperture Submillimeter Telescope (AtLAST), a 50-metre-class single-dish concept addresses both challenges. Building on a strong foundation of European expertise and an active international community, the AtLAST2 project is advancing key technologies, exploring innovative and low-emission operational solutions, and consolidating the scientific and technical case for this transformative facility. We are at a pivotal stage of the project where concrete contributions from the community are essential, as we are actively moving into prototyping, system-level design, and validation of key technologies, while expanding the scientific and technical scope. This talk will highlight where and how astronomers, engineers, and instrumentation specialists can directly engage and help shape AtLAST, from defining its science priorities to developing its capabilities and sustainable infrastructure. Broad participation now will be critical to ensure that AtLAST fully delivers on its promise as a flagship facility for the 2030s and beyond.